CLINTON, S.C. – Gardner-Webb saw Presbyterian score nine runs in the first two innings Saturday afternoon and fell 13-3 on the road to the Blue Hose.
The Runnin' Bulldogs (25-15, 11-6 Big South) and Blue Hose (16-24, 8-9 Big South) will play the series rubber match on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 pm (ESPN+).
The Blue Hose jumped on top quickly, hitting three home runs as part of a seven-run, five-hit first inning. After Gardner-Webb got a run back in the top of the second on a
Trevor Mattson RBI single, Presbyterian plated two more runs in the bottom half for a 9-1 lead.
Gardner-Webb got an RBI fielder's choice from
Jacob McCaskey, and
Mark Black scored on an error in the top of the third to trim the lead to 9-3, but Presbyterian escaped a bases loaded jam to keep a comfortable margin.
The Runnin' Bulldogs could not find any offense from there and Presbyterian scored four more times – including a three-run sixth – to ice the game.
Gardner-Webb starter
Tyler Switalski (7-2) took the loss in an uncharacteristic start, allowing nine runs on eight hits and two walks. He faced 13 batters into the second inning.
Lenny Washington came on to work two scoreless frames to keep the Runnin' Bulldogs in contention.
Michael Portela worked the final 2.1 innings without allowing a run.
Gardner-Webb had six hits in the game, with
Curtis Robison (3-for-6) accounting for half of that production.
Presbyterian starter Charlie McDaniel (3-6) notched his third win of the season, allowing just two earned runs on six hits with five strikeouts in 5.0 innings. Three Blue Hose relievers kept Gardner-Webb off the board down the stretch.
Brody Fair and Dalton Reeves each had three hits to lead the home team. Presbyterian finished the day with 17 base hits overall.
